Both McKenzie and Richards are poised to be full USMNT CB players sooner rather than later. McKenzie is already a starter for the Union and is poised to be even better next year.

It looks more likely Richards will be bought by Bayern Munich and his trajectory is to be a starter next to Sule with both Boateng and Hummels showing their age.

Miazga is now a bench player for Nantes, EPB is in and out of the starting lineup for NAC Breda, and CCV can't get on the field for a bad Swansea team in the championship. I'm not as big on Long as others are and Parker(who I think is a better defender than Long) hasn't seen a cap since the tie against France.

Now things will change when a coach is finally hired, but I expect both McKenzie and Richards to be full USMNT CB's by WC qualifying.

hamsamwich

Post #2

Friday November 16, 2018 10:52pm

Joined Oct 2013
Total Posts: 2,982

Don't know about Richards to say but I haven't really rated McKenzie that much to put him above Palmer-Brown let alone the other guys. I agree with your sentiment the job is there for the taking

2toneTen-Towns

Post #3

Friday November 16, 2018 11:22pm

Joined Jul 2012
Total Posts: 10,178

Original post from hamsamwich

Don't know about Richards to say but I haven't really rated McKenzie that much to put him above Palmer-Brown let alone the other guys. I agree with your sentiment the job is there for the taking

I rate McKenzie very highly. 19 years old and has led the union defense as a rookie. Fast, strong, decent passer, reads the game very well. But I still rate EPB very highly. A player I think should be the USMNT over CCV.

2toneTen-Towns

Post #4

Saturday November 17, 2018 5:51pm

Joined Jul 2012
Total Posts: 10,178

Thus is why I am excited about McKenzie and I think his cieling is very high.

It's important to remember that Center Backs (much like keepers) tend to reach their peak a little later than other field players. We can't write off CB's in their early/mid 20's. Instead we should be thankful that we have so many CB's that could realistically step into consideration for the squad over the next couple years....

Depending on what the new coach decides to do regarding the formation (Back 3 Vs 4) will ultimately determine how many CB's we'll need. But we've got a decent stable of CBs to keep things interesting for the next cycle or 2. And we will hopefully have the Olympics to help bring some of the younger options up to speed and prepared for the full National Team.